Offended by Faith: The Pandemic has Exposed an Unbelieving Church

Why are American Christians afraid of a virus? The answer is sobering.

Scrolling through Facebook I happened upon a simple yet interesting post. One of the comments was even more intriguing. “Show me the verse in Scripture that says God heals everything but coronavirus.” A sharp-witted respondent typed: Matthew 13:58.
58 And he did not do many mighty works there, because of their unbelief. Matthew 13:58 (ESV)
That's the sobering answer I alluded to. Instead of boldly standing in authoritative opposition to a wicked threat, the common reaction of so many of today's American Christians seems to be unbelief. Those who are to be driven by fearless faith are instead shaken by the winds of the world.

AN OFFENSIVE MESSAGE

56 …Where then did this man get all these things?” 57 And they took offense at him… Matthew 13:56-57 (ESV)
A lack of faith most certainly results in a lack of mighty works. Matthew 13 makes that clear. The preceding verse reveals the root of their unbelief: offense. In our current crisis I'm stunned and saddened by the reaction of supposed Christians to the few who are rallying the troops to arise in faith and healing. These cries for the church to confidently confront the spirit of the age and to believe without wavering in the healing power of Jesus are being met with resistance. How can that be? Where did this man get all these things? That's the question being asked by doubters when people of great faith proclaim the Word of God. Just who do you think you are? What type of hocus-pocus are you communicating? Don't you realize how scary this virus is? Your lack of concern is foolish. Your so called faith is dangerous to our nation's health. It's true, we are living in a day when many in the church are quicker to trust in science and medicine than in the Word of God. Facts trump faith in today's secularized society. It would do us well to learn from the test that King Asa failed.
12 In the thirty-ninth year of his reign Asa was diseased in his feet, and his disease became severe. Yet even in his disease he did not seek the LORD, but sought help from physicians. 2 Chronicles 16:12 (ESV)
The next verse displays very clearly what this strategy of healing results in:
13 And Asa slept with his fathers, dying in the forty-first year of his reign. 2 Chronicles 16:13 (ESV)
If we allow fear to drive us, we will have no choice but to defer to the physicians in our search for health and safety. Fear destroys faith. The only way we can approach God for healing or anything else is by faith. Unfortunately, it's obvious that many in the church haven't learned from King Asa. Calls to stand in confident faith are rejected as a nonsensical threat to their safety. What they don't realize is a refusal to believe sets them up as easy targets of the enemy.

A SUPERNATURAL CHURCH

It truly is shocking that many Christians today don't live in the supernatural realm that is so obvious in the Word of God. As Believers, we have access to mind-boggling benefits that few take advantage of. In fact, many fully reject these spiritual realities. They become offended when faith-filled Christians challenge them. “Where did you get all these things” is the question they ask. Where did you get these bizarre beliefs that are contrary to common sense? The Bible. That's the answer to their strange, humanistic question.
17 …“He took our illnesses and bore our diseases.” Matthew 8:17 (ESV)
The truth is that the blood of Jesus is sufficient for coronavirus. If we are afraid and default to human wisdom as we fight against it, we will lose. There will be no protection beyond what science can provide. If we live as supernatural people and expect miracles and wonders to surround us, we will thrive no matter what plague may befall us. Healing, authority, power, freedom, joy and absolute victory are all ours as Believers! Fear, worry and defeat cannot stand against mighty, supernatural faith! The church should be sounding a universal proclamation that Jesus heals and that fear can't stand! The world should be amazed and provoked by a joyful, fearless and faith-filled Church. Life for Christians is radically, wildly, supernaturally different than those who haven't surrendered to the Lord. No weapon formed against us can prosper! Instead, so much of the church is nervous, afraid and campaigning for worldly potions, provision and protection.

LIVING IN A NATURAL WORLD

3 For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. 5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (ESV)
Wash your hands. Wear a mask if called for. Go to the doctor if needed. Do your due diligence. But don't put your faith in such things. Our faith is in the miraculous. It's in the invisible wonders of a loving, omnipotent God. Don't get offended when someone challenges your response to the threat of a virus. Instead, admit your unbelief, repent and determine to live in a realm entirely different than where the world lives. As Christians, we should be experiencing supernatural power and incredible miracles regularly. The authority we have over the enemy is extreme. The promises of God open up a world of wonder to all of us who walk in the mysterious realm of faith. To think we are limited by science and human wisdom is silliness at best and blasphemous at worst. It's time for the supernatural, fearless church to arise!
6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. Hebrews 11:6 (ESV)
Originally published by The Stream.

Unfair to the Unredeemed? Abortion, Gay Rights and Other Cultural Issues They Simply Cannot Understand

Those who don't know Jesus should not be expected to act like those who do.

(Looking for the article Dueling Puppet Masters: Controlling Pastors vs. Manipulative Congregations? Read it HERE.)

If you follow my ministry you'll know that I am an unapologetic preacher of holiness. You'll also know that most of my messages are directed to the church. Preaching holiness to the lost doesn't work well unless it's coupled with a powerful invitation to surrender all.

Those who haven't had a life-rocking encounter with Jesus are at a disadvantage and it's unfair for those who have been transformed to expect them to see things the way we do. In fact, to attempt to coerce them to adhere to our set of standards, in violation of their own free-will and their right to also have a say in morality is ineffective, and in most situations, unfair if not outright arrogant.

Who are we to say that pornography is wrong? What makes our version of truth regarding homosexuality more valid then theirs? To Christians, babies were created by God, given human spirits at the time of conception and they clearly, obviously deserve protection. Except, those who don't believe in God the way we do simply disagree that they are fully human at points of development prior to birth. They have a right to that belief, as horrifying as we think it is.

The result is a holy war between a group of people who have one set of standards and a group that has an entirely different set. Coercion in the political realm, in the high courts and in the battleground of public opinion becomes the only tool left in our tool belt. We vote or legislate our way to victory, further enraging those who oppose our paradigms.

Listen to the podcast here…

YES, WE SHOULD STILL GO TO BATTLE AGAINST THE SPIRIT OF THE AGE

Now, please understand, with humble hearts, we as people who are zealous about protecting the unborn and who have a responsibility to guard our children from being indoctrinated by the homosexual agenda, I absolutely believe we must use whatever tool we have in our tool belts. Yes, it's right to fight for laws that stand aggressively against human trafficking. We should work hard to overturn Roe v. Wade. Pornography, the legalization of narcotics and other destructive cultural vices that are being normalized in our society must be met with resistance.

However, it remains true that the unredeemed simply cannot understand things the way Believers in Christ can. This isn't because we are better. It's because we have surrendered to Jesus and our entire way of thinking was renewed. We were once compromised and unable to discern right versus wrong. Then, God touched us as wicked, confused, arrogant and very lost people and the light came on.

HOW ARE THE UNREDEEMED AT A DISADVANTAGE?

I pray you begin to mourn and weep over the lost as you grow in understanding as to how terribly the enemy is assaulting them. Yes, every person who has ever lived and who ever will live will be without excuse on Judgment Day. Yes, everybody has a choice, and the lost have made their choice. That shouldn't result in us marking them off as enemies while we puff ourselves up and sneer down our noses at them. We should be broken and our intercession should be taken to a much higher level.

BORN THIS WAY VERSUS BORN AGAIN

Those who argue that they were born gay, for example, may have something to their argument.

5  Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me. Psalm 51:5 (ESV)

We were all born in sin, in iniquity. It shouldn't take much for us to understand this. Sin comes very naturally to all and it takes the momentous event of being born again by the Spirit of God for that to shift.

In fact, the Bible calls those who are not his own, children of wrath. Are you seeing the extreme disadvantage the lost have when attempting to discern good versus evil? All they know are the inner urges that, in their minds, makes up the very core of their identity? If they have been attracted to the same sex for as long as they can remember, then, it seems clear that they were born this way. That should validate their homosexuality, or so they would argue.

Without a dramatic encounter with Jesus, without being born again, we can't expect people to understand biblical freedom or morality.

NO RELIEF FROM ANXIETY, FEAR AND DEPRESSION

The enemy seeks to steal, kill and destroy, and based on the rampant addictions to opiates in our generation, it appears that he's winning.

Spirit-filled Christians can fill their days with praying in tongues, meditating on God's Word and by singing songs of praise to break off the debilitating, suffocating assaults of depression, fear and anxiety. We have a very present friend in Jesus ministering to us, interceding for us, talking to us and walking with us.

The lost are limited to positive thoughts, drugs, counseling and, sadly and all too often, suicide. Truly, the only hope in the battle of emotional trauma is Jesus, and they haven't met him yet.

Can Christians also be in need of counseling and medical care including the administration of appropriate medications to help deal with chemical imbalances and other physiological and emotional difficulties? Yes, absolutely. As long as it takes place on a foundation of faith, such care can be an important part of the healing process.

10  fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 (ESV)

THEY HAVE NO PEACE

Those who don't know Jesus simply cannot know peace. For Christians, peace rests on us and it is not dependent on circumstances or in understanding our situation. God is with us and his supernatural peace displaces the darkness.

It's not hard to understand why so many politicians, protesters and others who are advancing their various ungodly causes become enraged when they experience push back. They have no peace, and in their minds, the road to a life that is more centered and devoid of resistance is to hate, curse and attempt to slay anything and anyone that gets in their way.

33  I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (ESV)

THEY DON'T EXPERIENCE THE PRESENCE OF GOD

The thought of not having that constant burning of God's Holy Spirit within is enough to make me shudder. The glory of God and his anointing on our lives is irreplaceable and without it we would spiral out of control.

Our decisions, our mindsets, our emotional well-being, our belief systems, our desires and everything that make up who we are would radically shift. It would be a deeply disturbing way to live, yet the lost live in that reality every moment of every day of their lives.

11  You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11 (ESV)

THEY HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED LOVE

No matter how determined society is at convincing us that they do what they do because of love, it's simply not true. They have fallen for a faux love that does not originate from the only one who can manifest love. Outside of God, we cannot know love. The reason is simple: God is love.

I want to encourage you to read my article The Great Love Deception. It's eye-opening.

Sure, the lost can experience infatuation, attraction, appreciation, strong desire, lust and many other emotions, but love is the one experience they can't have outside of Jesus.

The next time you hear about someone who is militantly promoting what we would call perversion, just remember they are yearning to love and to be loved. This isn't a defense of perversion, but rather it's a call to weep for our culture and to stand in the gap so people can finally discover the only true source of love.

10  Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the LORD. Psalm 32:10 (ESV)

THEY HAVE NO ACCESS TO SUPERNATURAL WISDOM

The unredeemed are limited to their own logic and human ability to reason. That's it. They have no resource when their own abilities or the abilities of others to understand comes to an end.

The ceiling of understanding becomes their version of truth and they will fight to the end to support it.

For Christians, there is such a relief knowing that we won't ever understand it all, and that our own logic is often fallible. We simply read the Bible and believe it. God speaks and we respond. The lost cannot do that.

They will argue that getting drunk, for example, is just fine, as long as you don't get behind the wheel of a car. It makes sense to them. Christians, however, have no need to attempt to wrap their minds around the topic. God says don't get drunk, and he's much wiser than we are, so we buy in wholesale to what he says. As a result, life is much, much better.

Further, decision making becomes much easier as Christians. We may not know what job to take, what house to buy, where to go, who to marry or how to resolve life's problems. Thankfully we have a supernatural source of direction that goes well beyond humanity's resources.

5  If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. James 1:5 (ESV)

HAPPINESS IS THEIR ONLY HOPE

We all have the right to pursue happiness in our nation. Sadly, that's the limit for people who don't love and serve Jesus.

Christians, on the other hand, live with overwhelming, immeasurable, supernatural joy! Happiness is dependent on circumstances. Joy is not.

Instead of pursuing wealth, sex, fame, materialism and other pleasures as sources of happiness, Believers are fully satisfied by knowing God. It's a supernatural reality that can only be understood when experienced. It's not mind over matter. I'm not talking about mental gymnastics that turn bad situations to good. I'm talking about an actual Spirit that fills us up and brings supernatural joy to our hearts. Those in the world can never understand this.

13  May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Romans 15:13 (ESV)

THEY LIVE OUTSIDE OF THE REALM OF MIRACLES

The lost have absolutely no hope of relief from life's woes unless mankind can come up with a solution. They are dependent and desperate and all too often, hopeless.

Believers in Christ live in the realm of miracles every day! Healings, wonders, signs, breakthroughs, prophetic revelation and much more are our portion!

The lost are feverishly doing all they can to avoid or avert dire circumstances in their own abilities. They turn to man, not God when they are in a time of need.

12  In the thirty-ninth year of his reign Asa was diseased in his feet, and his disease became severe. Yet even in his disease he did not seek the LORD, but sought help from physicians. 2 Chronicles 16:12 (ESV)

Seeking the Lord is necessary for us to survive and thrive on the earth, and those in the world simply can't enjoy the miracles that result from such a devotion.

THEY HAVE NO REASON NOT TO SIN

Above I revealed the mindset regarding drunkenness. In the minds of the lost there is absolutely no reason not to get drunk. This logic can be used in other scenarios too. Lust is pleasurable as is pornography. Getting high on drugs feels good. Foul language and other behaviors are morally benign. If it's legal, it's okay.

In the world the line is drawn when one person's sin negatively impacts another. That's what defines morality in a culture that's not surrendered to Jesus. What the world defines as lawless and what God defines as legal are very different.

4  Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness. 1 John 3:4 (ESV)

Christians understand how destructive sin is and we embrace consecration and repentance eagerly. Sin kills even if we don't understand why. We don't define what is morally legal, God does.

23  For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 (ESV)

THEY HAVE NO HOPE OF A WONDERFUL ETERNITY

Every ounce of life must be experienced in a window of approximately 80 years to those who don't know Christ. The thought of preparing for eternity is nonsensical to them. This over-magnifies the importance of fulfilling dreams and desires on the earth, as they do all they can to soak up all their short earthly journey can provide.

Of course, Believers know there are an unlimited number of years ahead of us. Every person, whether lost or saved, will live somewhere forever. This is what drives our lives. We do all we can to awaken the sleepers, to warn the apathetic and to rescue the perishing. This world means little in comparison to eternity.

Further, those who know Jesus are exhilarated knowing they will experience never-ending joy, abundant life, freedom, love and  peace as we live day-by-day with God. This isn't some euphoric pipe dream. It's truth. It's going to happen. Those who don't know Jesus simply cannot understand this.

1  “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2  In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. 4  And you know the way to where I am going.” 5  Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” 6  Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:1-6 (ESV)

CHANGE OUR DISPOSITION

I pray this will at least cause you to think differently the next time you get agitated at people who are promoting beliefs and behaviors that are repugnant to you. Pray hard for them. Battle for their souls.

Trust me, the moment one of these vile, wicked people truly find Jesus, they will turn on a dime and renounce everything unrighteous they previously supported. Meeting Jesus does that to a person.

Prayer in the Cave is tonight—we still have spots available

Prayer in the Cave usually fills up almost immediately—but we still have spots available!

People in the Ozark region are not familiar with our ministry Carriers of Fire International yet, and certainly have never heard of the prayer adventure called Prayer in the Cave.

This event usually fills up quickly, but tonight’s Prayer in the Cave still has spots available!

This is literally a can’t miss experience!

When we were in Colorado we would take teams into cave systems and experience powerful seasons of prayer. Miracles have happened as have deliverances and stunning freedom. In fact, one story from the cave was depicted in a secular, off-Broadway production that toured the nation. God’s wonders were decreed to liberal audiences from coast to coast. Additionally the story was included in a book titled Healed! by Andy Sanders.

If you haven’t registered yet, there are a handful of spots left. I’m actually surprised it didn’t fill up on the first day. In Colorado the demand was quite high as reports of what God was doing began to spread. We do have people from other states on their way including one person who is using her air miles to fly in from Michigan!

You can register at www.carriersoffire.org/cave.

The adventure begins TONIGHT at Marvel Cave in Branson, Missouri at 6:15pm sharp!

Prayer in the Cave Branson Event Flyer

7 Key Points: Unbelief and skepticism regarding signs and wonders, gold dust, angels, etc.

The church is crying out for a new thing, yet when something new manifests a common reaction is suspicion and unbelief.

What’s your first reaction when you hear about gold dust, gold teeth, oil manifesting on people, healings, angelic visitations, trances, Third Heaven encounters, etc.? Joyous belief or skeptical reservation?

Let’s have an open discussion about signs, wonders, miracles and manifestations. It’s a burning hot can of worms that is only going to get hotter and messier. God is going to offend our expectation and our intellects as he invades our comfort zones and destructs human controlled systems.

EXPECTATION VS. EXPECTANCY

God is moving the church from a place of expectation to an culture of expectancy. What’s the difference? It’s simple yet profound. An expectation has a pre-determined outcome attached to it. For example, I have an expectation that the sun is going to set tonight. There’s a clear and definable reality that should certainly come to pass.

Expectancy is quite different. It’s open ended yet very powerful and all consuming. It’s often ambiguous, nebulous. What we sense is coming goes beyond our ability to define and contain it in our narrow constructs.

So, to have an expectation means that we impose limits and boundaries on what we want to see done. But, expectancy opens us up to anything and everything that God might want to do. We have a resounding “yes” in our spirits even though what’s coming is well beyond our realm of understanding or imagination.

Ephesians 3:20-21 (ESV) 20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

At Revival Church and theLab School of Fire we’ve been experiencing undeniable wonders such as gold dust appearing on people, anointing oil coming out of people’s hands, a visible mist of God’s presence, angelic activity and more. I’m sure there has been a gut reaction of doubt and skepticism by many who read about it.

I believe God is lovingly testing and preparing us for the greater glory that’s coming. He wants to see how we will react when he does something new and unusual. Will the first reaction be skepticism and suspicion? Will we attribute what’s happening to him or his arch enemy, Satan? Or, will we be fueled by such expectancy that faith and belief is our immediate reaction?

Check out this email I received this morning from a close friend who’s a student at ministry school:

John, I must admit I've been extremely skeptical about your Facebook reports of gold dust.  People so desire the Lord move in their midst they will imagine many things.  I mean, what's the purpose of gold dust anyway.  Apparently, you can't collect it and take it to the bank.  It just disappears after a while.

People can react to a song or phrase in a fleshly manifestation when nothing is actually happening.  Although I think we must stay on guard against such things, something happened this morning that has radically shifted my thinking.

During admin time before moving into the prayer room this morning, a woman in the back of the room started laughing uncontrollably.  After a short time of ministry to her, they took her out in the hall and continued with announcements. 

A minute later, a young woman across the aisle from me started trembling and weeping.  The girl next to her said, “There's oil dripping from her hands.”  I looked and could see it with my own eyes.  See laid hands on a sick woman and received healing.   I must repent of my unbelief and skepticism.  This girl seemed like one of the most introverted and timid I've ever met.  Here with my own eyes I see the Lord manifesting something I don't understand through her.

O Lord help my unbelief.

7 Key Points to Consider

ONE. What’s the purpose?

Often people will doubt that a manifestation is a result of God moving because they can’t connect the dots. They can’t answer the “why?” What benefit does the gold dust have?

I personally think we’re overcomplicating this issue. Most realities that we experience in life don’t have a purpose, they just are.

What is the purpose of smoke at a campfire?

What’s the purpose of the smell of spring rain?

What’s the purpose of the sound of thunder?

There is no real purpose. They are simply evidences of fire, of rain and of lightning.

Gold dust, for example, is an evidence of God manifesting in glory in a certain location. That’s all.

But, that’s really not all. We know that evidences result in some pretty remarkable things—people get radically saved as they see God move!

Acts 2:43 (NIV) 43 Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles.

Acts 2:47 (NIV) 47 ..And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

TWO. Should we ignore or deny what is clearly happening?

I’ll admit, when I hear from people who doubt that what we are reporting is true, my first reaction is, “I’m not sure what to do with your skepticism. I saw it happen.”

I mean, if it’s happening right there in front of us, with many witnesses, should we ignore it? Deny it?

If we allow unbelief or skepticism violate the clear evidence of God’s glory we are in a lot of trouble. God’s manifest presence will be gone that fast.

We also have to be careful not to jump to conclusions that are fueled by unbelief when we hear of God moving unusually somewhere.

Mark 16:14 (ESV) 14 Afterward he appeared to the eleven themselves as they were reclining at table, and he rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen.

Matthew 13:57-58 (ESV) 57 And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and in his own household.” 58 And he did not do many mighty works there, because of their unbelief.

Someone sent me this message today on Facebook. He couldn’t deny God’s presence or his manifestation:

Back in 2009, I had oil appearing to flow from my hands and gold dust appearing all over me. Most of the time this happened in my home. People were amazed when they visited my home…mostly because of the presence, NOT the manifestations. Well, I haven't had those happen in years, but I got so excited when I read your recent posts… not because of the manifestations, but because of the presence…and because of what's coming to you NEXT!”

THREE. Why do we immediately presume unusual signs and wonders are the work of Satan?

This point is more serious than we might realize. Yes, its absolutely true that Satan will deceive people through deceptive signs and wonders.

2 Thessalonians 2:9-10 (ESV) 9 The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, 10 and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.

Note that this passage emphasizes that it’s specifically those who are perishing, those who don’t love truth, who will be deceived. Those of us in love with Jesus should not be fearful or nervous when signs and wonders start happening!

If we are deeply in love with Jesus, we will easily identify the lover of our souls when he’s in the room. The anointing will overwhelming, and when the signs and wonders follow, there can be no denying that it’s God himself who’s manifesting.

The reason this point is very serious is because of the one sin that is unforgivable—blasphemy of the Holy Spirit.

Those in the suspicion driven heresy hunter movement often creep very close to the edge of this sin—and certainly some have gone over that edge.

Mark 3:28-30 (ESV) 28 “Truly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the children of man, and whatever blasphemies they utter, 29 but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin”— 30 for they were saying, “He has an unclean spirit.”

Wow. That is sobering. The fear of God should rock us. They were saying Jesus was manifesting demonic power when in fact, of course, he was demonstrating the power of God.

FOUR. Should we not be more concerned when miracles aren’t happening?

Mark 16:17-18 (NIV) 17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18 they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.”

Is it possible that we have churches full of unbelievers? I’m not talking about those who haven’t repeated a sinner’s prayer. I’m talking about church goers who confess Jesus Christ as Lord. Yet, their unbelief results in no supernatural power in their lives. No demons driven out. No healings.

The expected atmosphere for a Christian church is one of signs, wonders and miracles. They are the result of belief. It’s that simple. Check it out:

John 14:11-12 (NIV) 11 Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves. 12 I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.

It seems to me that a more accurate conclusion would be that the enemy is the key influencer when we don’t see signs, wonders and miracles. Demonic and humanistic conditioning results in unbelief. Unbelief ensures nothing miraculous will happen at all.

FIVE. The Bible doesn’t contain a record of every manifestation or Kingdom activity.

A lot of people get tripped up here.

Scrutiny causes them to shun anything unless they can validate it through a duplicate situation recorded in scripture.

The question shouldn’t be limited to, “Is this exact manifestation recorded in the Bible?” The question should actually be, “Does this manifestation line up with the truth of scripture, and is there anything in the Bible that would forbid or shoot down what we are experiencing?”

John 21:25 (NIV) 25 Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.

Have you considered that some of what is happening might be a part of what Jesus did that wasn’t contained in scripture? Have you also considered, based on John 14:12 that we are to do MORE than what Jesus did?

Take ten minutes and consider everything in our Christian culture that isn’t found in scripture. Do you really want to throw it all out?

You’ll have to stop using the word Trinity. There will be no celebration of birthdays, Christmas or Easter. We would be forbidden from tapping our toes during worship. There would be no electric guitars or saxophones in worship. The only valid spiritual dreams and visions would be those that are exact duplicates of dreams and visions in scripture.

God giving specific, personal answers to prayer would not be allowed, unless God also revealed that in scripture (He’d have to mention the exact city he wants you to live in and the exact place he wants you to work in the Bible, for example.)

What about paid children’s pastors? Media ministry pastors? Television ministry? Wearing crosses around our necks? Nope.

SIX. What about all that the Bible does contain that we aren’t experiencing?

An even easier way to address the issue raised in the previous point is this: Why aren’t we experiencing all of the dramatic signs and wonders that are in the Bible?

Cover to cover we see wild and bizarre manifestations and miracles of God.

A pillar of fire, a cloud, parting of waters, blind eyes opened, the creator, walking on water, manna, a burning bush, angelic encounters, trances, Third Heaven encounters, and on and on and on.

I believe we must repent for living below the bar of supernatural manifestation in our churches and have an increased expectancy for the unusual, strange and overwhelming manifestation of God today.

SEVEN. The Bereans weren’t skeptics.

There’s a Pharisaical spirit in a growing group of people that are masking themselves as Bereans.

The Bereans weren’t skeptical. They weren’t suspicious. They weren’t nervous. They weren’t divisive.

People often say that the Bereans were marked by their study of scripture—and that study was to police any activity that would violate the Word of God. People presume they were self-appointed protectors and “officers of the law.”

Most common day, self-described Bereans are filled with unbelief, suspicion, doubt and a spirit of division that’s used against anybody that threatens their personal, narrow interpretation of Scripture.

Those people are not Bereans, not by a long shot. Many of them venture very close to the Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. Others are simply arrogant and mean spirited. Others are simply deceived. In fact, they could better be defined as Thessalonians.

Let’s look:

Acts 17:1-9 (NIV) 1 When they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. 2 As his custom was, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3 explaining and proving that the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead. “This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Christ,” he said. 4 Some of the Jews were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a large number of God-fearing Greeks and not a few prominent women. 5 But the Jews were jealous; so they rounded up some bad characters from the marketplace, formed a mob and started a riot in the city. They rushed to Jason's house in search of Paul and Silas in order to bring them out to the crowd. 6 But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some other brothers before the city officials, shouting: “These men who have caused trouble all over the world have now come here, 7 and Jason has welcomed them into his house. They are all defying Caesar's decrees, saying that there is another king, one called Jesus.” 8 When they heard this, the crowd and the city officials were thrown into turmoil. 9 Then they made Jason and the others post bond and let them go.

The Thessalonians heard Paul talking about Jesus and about the supernatural miracle of resurrection from the dead. This was a problem for the Jews. It bothered their theology. They then adopted a spirit of accusation (a demonic spiritual gift) and declared that the message was not of God and that they were causing trouble.

So, the moved on to Berea. Here we find true friends of God and people who were expectant, open to a fresh move:

Acts 17:10-13 (NIV) 10 As soon as it was night, the brothers sent Paul and Silas away to Berea. On arriving there, they went to the Jewish synagogue. 11 Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. 12 Many of the Jews believed, as did also a number of prominent Greek women and many Greek men. 13 When the Jews in Thessalonica learned that Paul was preaching the word of God at Berea, they went there too, agitating the crowds and stirring them up.

Why were the Bereans counted as more noble? Because they received the message with great eagerness! They excitedly, expectantly searched the scriptures for confirmation. They were joyous, not suspicious. Not guarded. Not nervous.

So, a great question is this: When we hear of God moving in a new way, will we be like the Thessalonians who were threatened and full of doubt or like the child-like Bereans who excitedly received the Good News?

The church isn’t a building, “I am the church.” : Is this correct? : The Scattering Movement

This is an important point of discussion as God’s military is weakening as people leave churches in record number.

THE SCATTERING MOVEMENT

To say that I’m concerned would be a gross understatement. There is a scattering movement in the nation that’s causing deep harm to the mission of the church. This scattering of believers is so widespread that we are seeing theologies and philosophies emerging that support the idea that it’s actually healthy to disband and withdraw. It becoming common to hear people say things like, “The church isn’t a building,” or, “I am the church, so I don’t have to go ‘to church’.” The idea is that people have become so wounded or dissatisfied with their experience in the church that they have decided that it’s not only better but actually biblically acceptable to minimize participation in an organized church setting. This mindset is threatening the corporate mission to a terrifying degree.

YOU ARE NOT THE CHURCH
If we understand the meaning of the word ‘church’ we could never presume that we alone are the church. That idea is contrary to the origin of the word (ekklesia, meaning “assembly”). In fact, that word has secular origins. It literally means an assembly of people who have been called together by an authority in the city or region. Wow! That sheds a lot of light on what the church is. The church is an assembly of people organized under defined governmental leadership. It’s a regular gathering of people who are deeply agreed and in pursuit of mission advance under God’s apostles, prophets and other governmental leaders. Further, the pure definition of the word reveals that it isn’t used as easily in the context of the global company of believers as it is in the regional and local gathering of believers. The definition reveals that it’s a well defined local group vs. a loosely defined larger group of people (who mostly don’t know each other at all). We can’t be a part of the church if we aren’t gathered together with other parts of the church. Church is corporate. Additionally, the church is a group of people who assemble, fellowship, pray and respond together to apostolic teaching. That can’t happen in a more nebulous global context. The church has inherent in it’s core call the expectation of assembly and a corporate response so as to ensure the local mission is fulfilled. Again, a fulfilled mission can’t be realized without this type of intentional and faithful participation at a local level where communication and commonality are clearly defined.

WHAT ABOUT HAVING CHURCH ONLINE?
I agree that there is much to enjoy and gain from this amazing technological world. We can watch church services online (I was watching one myself just tonight), listen to worship, meet Christians in forums and on Facebook, pray for one another and involve ourselves in Kingdom business in very unique ways. In fact, there are those who consider www.thefurnace.tv their home church as they prayerfully search for a local expression. Others do in fact gather together locally in homes on a more permanent basis and use the teaching at theFurnace each week in their meetings. That can be a great example of how church is transitioning today. It's a new wineskin. But, if there is no true local gathering with clear leadership, some key issues come into play:

  1. DEVOID OF APOSTOLIC LEADERSHIP—There is most probably (there are exceptions) no clearly defined apostolic leadership involved. We have to know who we’re called to serve with. We have to all hear, together, in our local congregation, how we are to respond in mission advance. What’s God calling our leaders to focus on? How are we to participate? What are the goals? What steps must we take to prepare ourselves to see this come to pass?
  2. LACK OF STRATEGIC CORPORATE INTERCESSION—While not impossible, it’s very hard to involve ourselves in the number one purpose of the church this way—corporate intercession. We just have to be together to pray with unity and consistency if we are to have the sufficient strength to see significant impact.
  3. NO ACCOUNTABILITY—Accountability and discipline are nearly non-existent outside of the context of the local church. Most who flock from the church and into alternative spiritual activities do so to avoid conflict, accountability and correction from leadership. We have to understand that this is a critical part of the refining process. We must be receptive and humble and ready to be challenged—even if the leaders God established for us are exceptionally flawed and out of touch with our needs.
  4. PROMOTES MISUNDERSTANDING OF THE PURPOSE OF THE CHURCH—It can quite easily reinforce a wrong understanding of the purpose of the church. I would say this is the most serious issue. The prevailing thought these days is that the church is there for us. Whatever needs we have, we can get many of them met in the church. So, we attend if we are ministered to. Or, we may determine that we can get what we’re looking for without regular church attendance. So, the church becomes unnecessary to us. Friend, this concept is a defilement of the church. I can’t say it any less striking than that. We are called to gather together with other believers primarily to intercede for the nations. We are there to give, to leave offerings, to serve, to minister, to pray, to grow. The church isn’t primarily there for us, we are to be there for the mission of the church. We may say that we don’t need the church but have we considered that the church needs us?

    I believe the scattering movement is one of the enemy’s most urgent assaults in these end-times. He knows the power of unified togetherness. He used that very strategy when attempting to build a tower to Heaven. God himself said that Satan’s successful plan of unity would actually succeed if scattering didn’t happen! Now, when the church must be together continually as we advance against the kingdom of darkness, Satan has every intention of pulling people out of that mission. The scattering and loose commitment to God’s method of prayer-driven Kingdom advance is resulting in an weak and impotent army. In a day when less than two services a month equates to ‘normal’ church attendance, I believe we must see the 24/7 church advance in strength, unity, commitment and power. Instead of two services a month, I believe we’ll see it become normal to be in church 20+ times a month as we pray together, receive apostolic instruction, move out in ministry and take the fire of the Holy Spirit to the world—together.

John Burton

The God Forum is open for business : Talk about God

The God Forum is LIVE and ready for new discussions!

Slide1

Talk about God.

There is much to say, and I’d like to invite you to start and/or participate in discussions with a new community at www.thegodforum.net.

Available forums include:

  • The Church
  • Giving & Finances
  • Family
  • Eternity
  • Signs, Wonders, Miracles & Healing
  • Theology
  • Pro-Life
  • …and more!

Do you have a suggestion for a new forum topic? Just let us know!

Gold dust, wonders, miracles, signs and revival in the cities of the Earth

This is a remarkable video of a manifestation of gold dust at Bethel Church’s Open Heavens Conference!

Church it’s time to contend for a culture of supernatural life that’s filled with wonder!

Check out this video of a visible cloud of gold during a fire tunnel at Bethel Church’s Open Heavens Conference in Redding, California. It was posted by their Youth Pastor, Tom Crandall.

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=2310539496490&mid=504592

MARK 16:17-18 REPENTANCE MOVEMENT

Mark 16:17-18 (ESV) 17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18 they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

Repentance? I believe so. We have done a great job of talking about the Kingdom, but have been satisfied with a lack of demonstrating the Kingdom. There must be a movement of repentance in the church for this reality. God must grip our hearts!

As Christians, we have no option to remain removed from a supernatural life of signs, wonders and miracles. We are mandated to experience God in this fashion as a normal part of our ministry.

It’s sadly rare to find a church that highlights a culture of miracles, but that is going to change. If we want revival, it must.

Bizarre and monumental phenomenon’s are coming to the church, and I am convinced that Detroit will be one of the forerunner cities. The glory cloud of God will be visible in this city!

I was amazed several times over two specific weekends when many people noticed a visible glory cloud at Revival Church. Then, I found out that it was also at Pastor Joe Sazyc’s church in Dearborn Heights.

Get ready church for a reformation of understanding of what it is to know God, to encounter him and what it is to go to church! The masses are coming and they aren’t coming for one of our nice church services! They won’t settle for anything less than the tangible, weighty glory of God! I won’t either!

A Culture of Healing : Sunday at Revival Church

The nations will be converging in Detroit because of phenomenal and unusual healings.

FIRST: Spread the word! Catherine Mullins and Brian Simmons will be at Revival Church NEXT SUNDAY, September 25th at 6pm!


I shared a prophetic word with a mighty woman of God recently and she instantly came alive as it was a direct confirmation of a word she received. What is that word?

People from the nations of the earth will begin hearing about an extreme level of healings taking place in the midst of a historic outpouring in Detroit. Many of those people will find themselves on an airplane flying to Detroit and will be shocked to find themselves suddenly healed the moment they step foot on the ground at the Detroit airport.

capture-00002093There is a tragic theological misunderstanding running rampant in the church today. It is presumed that we are in a holding pattern of sorts waiting for God to show up and bring revival,work miracles and transform the Detroit region. The thought is if we pray enough, repent enough, work enough, etc. then God will finally be able to move, finally be able to heal.

This mindset can keep the church on the wrong side of the starting line of this great and important journey of revival. We are waiting for the starting gun from heaven to sound as we wait motionless for the beginning of the race. The problem with that? The gun sounded 2000 years ago.

This is extremely good news! Frustration can set in when we find ourselves waiting and waiting and working and wondering when God is going to actually move. But this revelation should propel us into wildly expectant, supernatural and miraculous Kingdom activities. We can and should experience mass healings, deliverances, citywide blessing, revival, exuberant joy and freedom in our lives and in Detroit right now!

When Jesus told us as he was hanging on the cross that it is finished, he knew what he was talking about. It's important that we don't minimize the cross by presuming that we must do something extra in order to qualify for Kingdom blessing.

Sunday evening at Revival Church I’ll be teaching on a Culture of Healing.

We aren’t waiting around hoping that something happens. The command of Jesus is to heal the sick. We’re not waiting for him to do it, he’s finished. It’s our turn to change the world, and we are responding with a vengeance against disease and sickness.

The greatest enemy to a culture of healing is a culture of confusion regarding God’s desire to heal. If we believe God is not willing to heal, that confusion will keep us inactive. I find it interesting that so many believe God doesn’t desire to heal, yet Jesus himself commanded us to do it!

Dr. T. J. McCrossan – “When unbelief kept Christ from healing the sick on earth, it will surely do so today.”

Mark 16:17-18 (ESV) 17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18 they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

Matthew 10:7 (ESV) 7 And proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons.

We are to preach and heal and cast out demons and raise the dead! We have no option!

For me, if I’m outside of a culture of healing, I’m outside of obedience.

So, come hungry and expectant. Bring your desperate friends and family. Bring them into a culture of healing tomorrow at Revival Church.

And, don’t forget, personal prophetic ministry follows EVERY Sunday service at Revival Church! If you need some personal impartation, this is for you!

www.detroitrevivalchurch.com : We meet at THE TABERNACLE: 14205 12 Mile Road, Warren, MI 48088

Photos : Teaching “From Ichabod to Kabod” : Lives rocked at thelab

We are going after the supernatural burning presence of the Holy Spirit at Revival Church!

FIRST: Immediately after the Revival Church service tomorrow, Sunday, June 12th, we will have a very short member’s meeting. Members are those who received a giving statement from Revival Church for 2010.

image

We had several people audit today’s class at theLab, Unoffendable. Lives were radically rocked there, and also at last night’s prayer event at the location of The Bay of the Holy Spirit event in Taylor. Words can’t describe the atmosphere! People felt a heavy presence of angels and the Burning Man Christ Jesus!image

We’ll all be going after the supernatural manifestation of God’s glory tomorrow at 6pm at Revival Church. We believe that signs, wonders, miracles and unusual moves of God will follow where the heavy, weighty presence of God is. We meet at THE TABERNACLE: 14205 12 Mile Road, Warren, MI 48088.

I’ll be teaching on moving from a live devoid of God’s presence (Ichabod) to one overwhelmed by the weight of God’s glory (Kabod)!

image

Last Sunday was remarkable. The fire tunnel resulted in people so influenced by God that they could barely walk! The floors were filled with groaning, crying people. You MUST listen to it, or watch it online. I listened to it as I was driving in the car and got blasted! Just head over to http://media.johnburton.net.

image

Here are some testimonies from today’s class at theLab:

“Today was a day of life changing power.”

“The whole teaching this morning was life changing. I’m now able to walk away and be totally offense free.”

“God is amazing. I am wrecked by what he is doing. I am totally free. The Lord is freeing me from offense, judgment, wrong mindsets. The Lord is ALL I want!”

“There has been a fire turning in my spirit to have crazy encounters in the Spirit become an everyday experience, and to EXPECT IT!”

A gold miracle at Revival Church : Groans at theLab

We are going after the supernatural without apology at Revival Church and theLab!

image

imageYes, Revival Church is one of those churches. We are going after supernatural manifestations of God’s glory.

And it’s happening. Last week a visitor to Revival Church reported to her pastor after Sunday’s service, as she was in tears and trembling, that God gave her a gold crown in her mouth.

In the Bible we read about stories of visible fire that rested on people in Acts. It really happened, and it can happen again. We’re going after that.

Bodies of water parted. Dead people started walking around on the Earth again. There were Third Heaven encounters. It happened and we’re going after it.

Burning angels revealed themselves to people. It happened. We want that.

As we pursue the Lion of Judah, Jesus, the Son of God, we will dive right into the supernatural.

imagetheLab

This supernatural environment is escalating very quickly. The groans and trembling are increasing fast. Last night at theLab prayer event was indescribable. Today at the launch of theLab Internship, groans and roars echoed throughout the building. Tears were everywhere in a deeply prophetic atmosphere.

imageSunday at Revival Church

Tomorrow is going to be extreme! Julia Palermo, a burning, prophetic sign and wonder from Kansas City, will be sharing her story with us. Come expecting a very real, overwhelming miracle in your life! Spread the word to everybody who needs to be healed, delivered and empowered!

I’ll be imparting fire and teaching on the glory of God. Oh man, this is going to be wild!!

See you TOMORROW at 6pm for a night of miracles and fire!

We meet at THE TABERNACLE: 14205 12 Mile Road, Warren, MI 48088